ASHEVILLE – The City of Asheville is applying for funding through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) 2013 Local Solicitation program. This U.S. Department of Justice funding is provided through a partnership among federal, state and local governments to create safer communities. The grant awards funds to local governments to improve the functioning of law enforcement programs related to criminal justice. Funds may be used to provide equipment, training, technical assistance, information systems and supplies to enhance or improve local law enforcement.

The Asheville Police Department and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office are jointly applying for $53,016.

The Asheville Police Department plans to use the grant funds, if awarded, to enhance in-car video camera systems by purchasing in-car video cameras, microphones and related equipment. This would aid evidence collection in traffic related incidents, enhance officer and public safety, and advance the Asheville City Council Goals of Safe and Fiscal Responsibility. This equipment and funding would aid in making Asheville one of the safest cities and reduce the strain on the City’s fiscal budget.

The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office plans to use its portion of the grant to purchase and deploy handheld night vision units to enhance officer and community safety. Making this equipment available to officers would allow them to operate more safely in reduced lighting conditions and enhance their effectiveness during search and rescue operations or victim recovery, regardless of the lighting situation.

Citizens can submit input on the grant by contacting Capt. Tim Splain in the Asheville Police Department’s Administrative Services Division at (828) 259-5881 or tsplain@ashevillenc.gov.